Explore the world’s first Underwater Military Museum in Aqaba, Jordan. Dive or snorkel 21 decommissioned military relics—from tanks to helicopters—arranged in battle formation. Get the complete list of submerged vehicles, dive depths (5m-28m), and booking details for this stunning artificial reef.
Introduction: The World’s First Underwater Military Museum
The Underwater Military Museum in Aqaba, Jordan, is a dive site unlike any other. Inaugurated in 2019 by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), this innovative project successfully merges military history, eco-tourism, and conservation.
Instead of displaying artifacts in a hangar, ASEZA sunk 21 decommissioned military relics from the Royal Jordanian Army off Aqaba’s South Beach to intentionally create an extensive, thriving artificial reef. The vehicles are strategically arranged on the sandy seabed to mimic a tactical battle formation, offering divers and snorkelers a surreal journey through history and ecology.
This location serves two primary goals:
Conservation: To draw divers away from the fragile natural coral reefs, alleviating pressure and aiding the area’s marine ecosystem recovery.
Attraction: To provide a unique, world-class diving and snorkeling experience.
Location and Accessibility
The underwater museum is strategically situated adjacent to the Aqaba Marine Park, reinforcing Jordan’s commitment to preserving Red Sea marine biodiversity.
It is accessible for both scuba divers and snorkelers, with some exhibits placed at shallower depths for snorkelers to view from the surface.
The Submerged Arsenal: A Complete Inventory of 21 Military Vehicles
The museum holds a variety of U.K., U.S., and South African-made vehicles used by the Jordanian Armed Forces.
Here is the complete list of relics you will find in the “battle formation,” roughly following the line of descent:
| Vehicle Type (Approx. Quantity) | Model/Name | Depth Range | Key Feature & Context |
| Jeeps (2) | Willis MB Jeeps | 5m – 7m | The shallowest exhibits, easily visible to snorkelers and beginners |
| Armored Car (5) | FV701 Ferrets | 15m – 20m | British-made reconnaissance vehicles |
| Light Tank (2) | FV101 Scorpion Light Tanks | 15m – 20m | Light, fast-tracked vehicles |
| Personnel Carrier (1) | FV103 Spartan APC | 20m – 25m | Armored troop transport vehicle |
| Anti-Aircraft Gun (1) | M42 Duster (40mm) | 20m – 25m | U.S.-made self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, easily identifiable by its twin barrels |
| Main Battle Tanks (2) | Chieftain Tanks (Khalid Shir) | 20m – 25m | The famous, heavy-armored tanks of the Jordanian Army |
| Ambulance (1) | FV104 Samaritan | 25m – 28m | An armored recovery/ambulance vehicle |
| Recovery Vehicle (1) | Chieftain Armored Recovery Vehicle (“The Crane”) | 25m – 28m | The largest tracked vehicle, built for tank recovery |
| Field Guns (2) | M1 155 mm Field Guns | 25m – 28m | WWII-era American-made cannons |
| Attack Helicopter (2) | Bell AH-1F Cobra | 25m – 28m | The centerpiece of the formation, resting majestically on the deepest part of the site |
Depth Guide: Access for Divers, Snorkelers, and Beginners
The site is designed to accommodate visitors of all experience levels by strategically placing the relics across a significant depth range.
| Access Type | Required Certification/Activity | Depth Range | What You Will See |
| Snorkeling & Glass-Bottom Boat | None | Surface to 7 meters | The two Willis MB Jeeps and the tops of the shallowest relics. Excellent visibility makes surface viewing effective |
| Beginner Divers (DSD/Open Water) | No Wreck Specialty required | 5 meters to 18 meters | The Jeeps, Ferret armored cars, and portions of the battle formation. This is a perfect site for your PADI Open Water Course training dives (thanks to the sandy bottom) |
| Advanced & Wreck Divers | PADI Advanced Open Water (Recommended) | 18 meters to 32 meters | The main formation, including the massive Chieftain Tanks, the M42 Duster, the Field Guns, and the stunning Cobra Helicopters at the deepest point |
Visibility and Conditions
Visibility: Exceptional, typically ranging from 25 to 30+ meters.
Water Temperature: Warm year-round, ranging from 20°C (Winter) to 28°C (Summer).
Currents: Generally mild, but divers should be prepared for occasional, mild to strong currents, particularly on the deeper sections.
New Life in the Red Sea
The sunken military hardware now provides hard, stable surfaces for the settlement and growth of new corals, sponges, and marine algae. This transformation attracts a diverse range of marine life, including:
- Garden Eels (prevalent in the sandy areas)
- Moray Eels and Scorpionfish
- Schools of bannerfish and colorful reef fish
- Nudibranchs and other macro-life
The structures offer vital shelter and breeding grounds, actively enriching the biodiversity of the Aqaba Marine Park.
The Wreck Diving Capital of Jordan
The Underwater Military Museum is part of a larger, impressive collection of artificial reefs in Aqaba that includes three other famous wrecks:
| Wreck Site | Vehicle Type | Max Depth | Location/Note |
| Cedar Pride | Freighter Ship (80m long) | 26m | Sunk in 1985, a classic Aqaba dive site. |
| C-130 Hercules | Transport Aircraft | 17m | Sunk in 2017, a dramatic wreckage. |
| Lockheed TriStar | Commercial Airliner (L-1011) | 42m | Sunk in 2019, one of the world’s largest underwater aircraft. |
The Military Museum is often done as the first or second dive of the day, or as a dedicated trip due to its vast size, which can easily be explored over two separate dives to fully appreciate the tactical layout.
Book Your Exclusive Underwater Military Museum Dive with Sea Wonders
Ready to explore this incredible submerged battlefield? Sea Wonders Diving Center offers professional, guided tours tailored to your experience level, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.
We offer:
- Guided Scuba Dives: A single dive package is available for 35 JD / $50 per person to explore the main formation.
- PADI Training: Conduct your PADI Open Water course on the sandy patch near the site, followed by exploration of the shallower relics.
- Professional Underwater Photography: Capture your experience with a Private Digital Underwater Photographer tour using our professional camera for $100.
Need help finding the perfect package?
Chat with us now for immediate assistance.
FAQ: Quick Facts for Your Dive Planning
Are divers allowed to penetrate or enter the submerged military vehicles?
No. Divers are strictly prohibited from entering the submerged vehicles. Penetration is forbidden because the relics were sealed and left structurally intact, and they are not suitable for penetration diving. Divers must maintain a safe distance and observe the artifacts from the exterior.
What is the specific purpose of sinking the military museum in terms of conservation?
The specific purpose is site protection and coral recovery. By creating a massive artificial reef on a sandy bottom, the museum serves as a highly attractive alternative dive site, intentionally diverting tourism pressure away from the sensitive, naturally-formed coral reefs in the nearby Aqaba Marine Park.
Is the Underwater Military Museum suitable for PADI Open Water student training?
Yes, it is. The beginning section of the dive site features a clear, flat sandy area at a depth of about 5–7 meters. This makes it an ideal, scenic location for completing skills training for the PADI Open Water course, followed by a beginner-level tour of the shallow wrecks (Jeeps).
Can I dive the Underwater Military Museum without a PADI Wreck Diver Specialty certification?
Yes, absolutely. You do not need the Wreck Diver Specialty certification to explore the exterior of the Underwater Military Museum site.
The Wreck Diver Specialty is only required for wreck penetration. Since all 21 relics here are sealed for safety and conservation, and penetration is strictly prohibited, you can enjoy the entire site with your standard PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification.
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